A little nook known as The Oasis has officially been opened to the general student body thanks to the collaboration of the Hayssen Academic Resource Center and the Counselling & Wellness Department, 

The Oasis is, “A space that students can have available during the day…to kind of calm, find some relaxation…an escape from the stress of school, relationships, and roommates…” explained Interim Manager of the Hayssen Academic Resource Center, Karen Eckhardt.  

Starting from March 19, 2020, the third floor of Old Main will allow students the chance to get away from their worries. However, this room is not just for students to, “come and hang out,” elaborated Eckhardt, “…it’s really for students to identify ‘What might I need to help me stay calm and a bit more focused?’”  

A student might like something interactive such as puzzles, Rubix cubes, and other mental challenges on a tablet. Perhaps they just want to read a book with some hot chocolate, cookies, and a weighted blanket. Or maybe they can’t just sit still and want to stretch on a yoga mat to release some tension. 

Even silly things such as slinkies are available for those who simply want to lose themselves in a mindless, repetitive activity. While there is also the fascinating EM Wave that charts your heart and pulse rate. 

This room has many other items and gadgets that they can explore and experiment with such as massage mats, Zen gardens, stress balls, play dough, and there are even “…partitions for a student that really, really just wants some privacy,” said Eckhardt. 

Despite how amazing this room is, a lot of work has been put into making this room, so there have been some measures taken to ensure the experience is one that isn’t taken away. 

“…We want to make sure everything stays safe…there’s some tracking devices and a university-wide security system…the item won’t function if it leaves this room…we’ll get an alert,” said Eckhardt. 

This is also something to look forward to for staff and faculty. For two hours a day, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., they will have exclusive use of The Oasis.  

Students will also have daily access starting from 9 a.m. with the closing time alternating between 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.